UNEP
SESSION ADDRESSES WATER, INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE,
MORE 29-31 March 2004 | Jeju, KoreaMinisters and delegates at the eighth Special Session
of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Governing
Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum convened in a
ministerial consultation, a Committee of the Whole (COW), and an
open-ended drafting group. At the conclusion of the ministerial
consultations, delegates adopted the “Jeju Initiative,”
containing the Chair’s summary of the discussions. Negotiations
in the COW and the drafting group resulted in four decisions
regarding small island developing States (SIDS), waste
management, regional annexes, and implementation of decision
SS.VII/1 on international environmental governance. The
decisions were adopted in the final Plenary on Wednesday, 31
March.

The session was the first ever held in Asia, the first
meeting to include the participation of 90 ministers from 153
countries (the most ever) and the first special session since
the World Summit on Sustainable Development. It was also the
first meeting that concentrated on a substantive issue cluster
(water, sanitation and human settlements) that is the foremost
item on the UN Commission on Sustainable Development’s agenda
for its first work cycle in 2004-2005. The
Earth Negotiations
Bulletincoverage.

WORKSHOP ON FORESTS AND FOREST ECOSYSTEMS: PROMOTING SYNERGY IN
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE THREE RIO CONVENTIONS5-7 April 2004 | Viterbo, Italy A workshop was held recently to promote local actions on
forests and forest ecosystems and develop synergistic processes
in this sector in order to contribute to more effective
implementation of the Rio conventions. Organized by the
Secretariats of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and
the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, in cooperation with
the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change, the workshop heard presentations by the Rio conventions
secretariats, and considered presentations and country case
studies on “Potential for synergies through forest landscape
management and soil conservation,” and on “Ecosystem services
and poverty reduction.” The
Earth Negotiations
Bulletinreport.

CITES
ANIMALS COMMITTEE DISCUSSES REVIEW OF CRITERIA FOR LISTINGS AND
MARINE-RELATED ISSUES29 March – 2 April
2004 | Johannesburg, South AfricaThe 20th meeting of the Animals Committee of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES) convened recently to discuss a range of
topics. Issues of considerable importance included the review of
criteria of listings in the Appendices, the RST and a range of
marine-related issues, such as sharks, sea cucumbers, hard
corals, seahorses, and tortoises and freshwater turtles. The
Earth Negotiations
Bulletinreport.

KAMPALA
MEETING ADDRESSES FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY IN AFRICA1-3 April 2004 | Kampala, UgandaOrganized by
the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Conference on Assuring Food
and Nutrition Security in Africa by 2020 brought together
stakeholders to deliberate on catalyzing change and action to
secure food and nutrition in Africa by 2020. The agenda was
organized around three key components: taking stock and
responding to driving forces; identifying solutions for bringing
about change and action in priority areas; and examining how key
actors can be strengthened and partnerships among them
facilitated for influencing change. The
Sustainable Developments
coverage.

OTHER
RECENT MEETINGS

COMMITTEE APPROVES RENEWABLE ENERGY OUTCOMES2 April 2004 | Eltville, GermanyThe expected outcomes from a major upcoming event on
renewable energies have been endorsed. The approval for the
proposed outcomes for the International Conference for Renewable
Energies – or “Renewables 2004” – came during the third and
final meeting of the event’s International Steering Committee,
which has lent its support to an international plan of action to
promote the global use of renewable energies. More.

CDM
BOARD LAUNCHES PROJECT STAGE24-26 March 2004
| Bonn, GermanyThe Executive Board of the
Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has agreed to
start registering projects. In a recent meeting, the Board
accredited the first two companies to undertake “project
validation,” which means verifying that each proposed project
conforms to CDM rules. The first CDM projects are expected to be
formally registered from mid-June 2004. More.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS WIND ENERGY28-31 March 2004 | Chicago, Illinois, USThe Global Windpower 2004 Conference and Exhibition
considered the rapid growth of wind energy production worldwide,
as well as obstacles to future growth. The conference examined
various aspects of wind energy, with many speakers noting that
technological advances were driving down the costs of wind power
and making it increasingly cost-competitive. More.

FORESTRY WORKSHOP FORWARDS RECOMMENDATIONS ON ESTS AND CAPACITY
BUILDING TO UNFF-423-27 February 2004 | Brazzaville, CongoThe Global Workshop on the Transfer of Environmentally
Sound Technologies (ESTs)and Capacity Building for Sustainable
Forest Management, a country-led initiative in support of the
work of the UN Forum on Forests, convened recently to develop
recommendations for action at the international and national
levels to improve the framework for EST transfer and capacity
building.
More.

IUCN
LAUNCHES REGIONAL OFFICE IN WEST ASIA5-7 April 2004 | Amman, JordanConservation experts gathered in Amman recently to
strengthen knowledge and networks for biodiversity conservation
in the West and Central Asia and North Africa (WESCANA) region.
The meeting also signaled the relocation of IUCN-The World
Conservation Union’s WESCANA Regional Office from its former
headquarters in Gland to Amman.The meeting convened
under the theme “People and Nature: Water for Peace and
Prosperity” and held a high-level workshop on ways to address
the challenges of water scarcity in the region.
More.

IMO
AGREES TO PROTECT BALTIC SEA29 March to 2 April 2004 | London, UKThe Baltic Sea, bar Russian waters, has been
designated as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). Eight
Baltic Sea nations agreed to establish stricter environmental
laws in their waters at the recent 51st session of the IMO’s
Marine Environment Protection Committee. The meeting also saw
the designation of the Galapagos archipelago and the waters
surrounding the Canary Islands as PSSAs. In addition, the
committee adopted revised regulations on sewage and approved a
resolution on guidelines for transporting vegetable oil.
More.

WTO
COMMITTEE REVIEWS DEVELOPING COUNTRY TREATMENT1 April 2004 | Geneva, SwitzerlandThe WTO’s Committee on Trade and Development has met to
consider special and differential treatment provisions for
developing countries. The latest discussions dealt mainly with
procedural matters, with delegates attempting to agree on how to
move discussions forward.
More.

HOPES
FOR AG AGREEMENT GROW22-26 March 2004 | Geneva, SwitzerlandThe latest WTO talks on agricultural issues have ended on
a positive note, with delegates reporting a “change of tone” in
the meeting’s final session. Week-long consultations in the WTO
Committee on Agriculture finally produced some good news, with
Committee Chair Tim Groser pointing to a slowly-emerging
consensus on setting late July as the date for reaching
agreement on a “negotiating framework.”
More.

Linkages Update is our means of keeping you informed of what’s new
on IISD Reporting Services' Linkageswebsite. This page is updated on a fortnightly basis,
while the website continually posts new information provided by our
contributing
writers. If you wish to submit relevant materials
or subscribe to Linkages Update, e-mail
prisna@iisd.org.

Using images on Linkages
Images from IISD Reporting Services’ digital coverage of meetings
are freely available, with proper citation. If you are looking for
an image of a particular person or event, use our
search site.

CDM EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTS CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIRThe
Executive Board of the Kyoto Protocol’s
Clean Development Mechanism has elected its Chair for 2004-2005.
John Shaibu Kilani of South Africa was named Chair, while Norway’s
Georg Borsting will be Vice-Chair. Denmark’s Hans Jürgen
Stehr was the outgoing Chair, while Franz Tattenbach Capra of Costa
Rica was last year’s Vice-Chair. The Board
is responsible for supervising the CDM.
More.

JOHN HERITY BECOMES NEW IUCN CANADA OFFICE DIRECTOR
John Herity has been appointed as Director of the IUCN Canada
Office. Herity will leave his post as Director of the Biodiversity
Convention Office in Environment Canada and assume his
responsibilities at IUCN in mid-April.
More.

Vacancies
UCS SEEKS CLIMATE SPECIALIST
The Union of Concerned Scientists in the US is seeking a climate
scientist for its office in Washington, DC. The position would
involve leading the Union’s efforts to strengthen federal climate
legislation and policies based on sound science.
More.

UCS FOOD
AND AGRICULTURE LOBBYIST SOUGHTAn
experience lobbyist is needed by the Union of Concerned Scientists
to work on its Food and Environment Programme in Washington, DC. The
post would include advocating the Union’s positions on issues such
as agricultural biotechnology and sustainable food systems.
More.

IISD’S
“YOUNG CANADIAN LEADERS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM”
INVITES APPLICANTSThe
International Institute for Sustainable Development is recruiting
for the Young Canadian Leaders for a Sustainable Future (YCLSF)
international internship program. IISD is seeking 25 young
professionals to take up six month positions in Kenya, Switzerland,
the Netherlands, UK, USA, South Africa, Costa Rica and India among
other countries. Placements are with such organizations as UNEP,
IUCN, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Deadline for applications is 20 April 2004. The
application form and
additional details.

MEDWET SEEKS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERThe
Mediterranean Wetlands (MedWet) Initiative, an outposted unit of the
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is looking for a communications
officer to develop and implement the MedWet communication education
and public awareness strategy. This is a two-year contact based in
Athens, Greece. Applications are due 24 April 2004.
More.

ROYAL
SOCIETY SEEKS INTERNATIONAL POLICY DIRECTORThe
Royal Society is looking to hire a director to lead a team that will
develop and implement the Society’s international policy, advise on
international issues relevant to the Society’s work and lead the
Society’s international work. The position will be based in London,
UK and the closing date for applications is 16 April 2004.
More.

TREATY ON
AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY TO ENTER INTO FORCE IN JUNEEleven European
countries, Egypt and the European Community have ratified the
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture, bringing the number of ratifications to 48. The Treaty
will now enter into force on 29 June 2004, 90 days after the deposit
of its 40th ratification.
More.

FAO WARNS
OF ALARMING LOSS OF DOMESTIC ANIMAL BREEDSThe worldwide loss of
domestic animal breeds is “continuing at an alarming rate,” cautions
the Food and Agriculture Organization.
According to the organization, the greatest cause of genetic
erosion is the failure to appreciate the value of locally adapted
breeds.
More.

BIG TRASH
PROBLEMS FOR SMALL ISLANDSWaste
should be added to the issues of rising sea levels, overfishing,
water shortages and inadequate sanitation services as a key problem
for small island states, suggests a recent UNEP report released
during the recent Global Ministerial Environment Forum.
More.

EU
SUPPORTS SOLVENT LAW, REJECTS “F-GAS” CONTROLSThe
European Union has introduced new legislation to control the amount
of harmful solvents permitted in paints and varnishes, while
rejecting proposals to tighten laws governing the gases used in
refrigerators and air conditioners.
More.

EUROPE’S
IMF DOMINANCE CHALLENGEDEurope’s
dominant role in selecting the managing director of the
International Monetary Fund has been challenged by Egypt’s most
senior IMF representative, Shakour Shaalan. More.

AWARD FOR
EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING INVITES ENTRIESThe 2004
Reuters-IUCN Media Awards for Excellence in Environmental Reporting
is inviting entries. Organized annually by the Reuters Foundation
and IUCN, the worldwide contest aims to increase awareness of
environmental and sustainable development issues by fostering
excellence in environmental reporting. More.

NUCLEAR
EXPERTS ESTABLISH NEW INTERNATIONAL SAFETY GROUP An
International Nuclear Safety Group, comprising experts from many
countries, was recently formed with the aim of providing
authoritative advice and guidance on safety approaches, policies and
principles at nuclear power plants and facilities.
More.

GEO YEARBOOK 2003(UNEP,
March 2004) Prepared in response to a UNEP Governing Council
decision adopted in 2003, the annual Global Environment Outlook
(GEO) Year Book highlights significant environmental events and
achievements, and aims to raise awareness of emerging issues. In
addition to tracking issues at the global and regional levels, the
2003 Year Book flags emerging environmental challenges, in
particular the impacts of food and energy production on the global
nitrogen cycle and of overfishing. The book also dedicates a chapter
on indicators to reflect the trends for major global and regional
environmental issues addressed under the GEO reporting process,
namely atmosphere, disasters, forests, biodiversity, coastal and
marine areas, and freshwater. The
Year Book.

GOOD STUFF? A
BEHIND-THE-SCENES GUIDE TO THE THINGS WE BUY(Worldwatch
Institute, March 2004) Produced in partnership with nine
organizations as a practical companion to Worldwatch’s annual State
of the World report, this guide tracks what goes into the
production, use, and disposal of 25 common consumer items, including
compact discs, cell phones and chocolate. It opens with a
“Consumption Manifesto” comprising ten principles of “good
consumption,” and also contains success stories, recommends simple
actions, and puts forth personal challenges to consume responsibly.
This guide.

WORLD AGRICULTURE AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
(WWF, April 2004) Prepared by WWF, this book focuses on the impacts
of agriculture on the environment, stating that the world’s largest
industry is one of nature’s biggest threats. While recognizing that
agriculture employs about 1.3 billion people and produces roughly
$1.3 trillion worth of goods annually, the book also states that
agriculture causes serious environmental, social, and economic
problems, particularly in developing countries. It cautions against
the nature of current agriculture subsidies, which encourages
intensive and environmentally-harmful monoculture farming practices.
The book calls on governments to work with farmers and the food
industry to develop better management practices in order to increase
efficiency and reduce damage to the environment. WWF and the World
Bank are exploring financial incentives that encourage farmers and
investors to adopt better management practices. The
book.

FOOD SUPPLY SITUATION AND CROP PROSPECTS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA(FAO,
April 2004) Prepared by the FAO Global Information and Early Warning
System, this report details the food supply situation, cereal import
and food aid requirements for sub-Saharan African countries. The
report shows that millions of sub-Saharan Africans still depend on
food assistance for survival, despite an increase in the overall
availability of food in the region. Food production was shown to
have increased in eastern and western Africa, though food shortages
in specific countries were highlighted. While crop yields in
southern Africa have improved, the impact of HIV/AIDS was shown to
contribute greatly to food shortages in the region. Human factors
such as internal displacement were demonstrated to impact food
availability in areas such as Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and
Sierra Leone, and natural events such as floods and droughts were
shown to impact crops in countries such as Angola, Botswana,
Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe among others. The
report.
IISD WEEKLY JOURNAL REVIEWSubscribe to receive weekly e-updates containing descriptions of peer-reviewed
articles on sustainable development.

Climate and energy

THE KYOTO PROTOCOL:
RUSSIAN OPPORTUNITIES(RIIA/OIES,
March 2004). This paper by Benito Müller investigates the
opportunities provided by the Kyoto Protocol to the Russian economy.
Müller estimates the value of Russian greenhouse gas mitigation
under the Kyoto mechanisms based on different carbon prices, and
considers how the mechanisms could best work for Russia’s economy.
He concludes that the “Joint Implementation” mechanism provides the
best platform for Russia, because of the way it leverages foreign
direct investment. However, Müller urges that Russia should begin to
engage in Joint Implementation projects as soon as possible if it is
to extract the greatest possible benefit. The paper suggests that
linkages with the European Union’s new Emissions Trading Scheme
could be developed, which would benefit Russia once it ratifies the
Kyoto treaty. The
paperwas published jointly by the Royal Institute of
International Affairs and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

THE HYPE ABOUT HYDROGEN: FACT AND FICTION IN THE RACE TO SAVE THE
CLIMATE(Island
Press, 2004) This book by Joseph Romm investigates the recent hype
around the prospects for using hydrogen fuels cells to solve the
world’s environmental and energy dilemma. Romm, who was previously a
US Energy Department official under the Clinton administration,
argues that achieving a “hydrogen economy”
is unlikely to be possible for several decades. He alerts readers to
the dangers of over-estimating the short- to medium-term impact of
hydrogen fuel cells, warning that “putting all our eggs in the
hydrogen basket could allow climate problems to become
irreversible.”
More.

Water, wetlands, oceans, coasts

NEW ASIAN
WATERBIRD CENSUS(Wetlands
International, April 2004) Wetlands International has published an
Asian Waterbird Consensus (1997-2001), summarizing the results of
counts from 1,392 sites in 22 countries, including 61 Ramsar sites.
The report also provides important data on waterbird population,
distribution and status, with reference to wetland habitats.
Information presented in this report will contribute greatly to
efforts towards the conservation of both waterbirds and wetlands,
including to Wetlands of International Importance.
More.

IMO LAUNCHES
MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTES ONLINE DIRECTORYThe
International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched an online
directory of the Compendium of Maritime Training Institutes (CMTI),
which aims to facilitate global access to information on maritime
training institutes around the world, and to promote the exchange
and accuracy of that data. The CMTI
website.

IMO LAUNCHES
MARTECAID DATABASEThe
International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched the Maritime
Technical Cooperation Aid (MARTECAID) database, a web-based
inventory on technical co-operation activities related to maritime
safety and security and marine environment protection. The aim of
the database is to facilitate global access to information on the
range and scope of maritime technical assistance around the world
and to promote the exchange and accuracy of that data. The
MARTECAIDE.

WETKIT RAMSAR
LAUNCHEDWetKit
Ramsar is a new website designed to help Canadians find information
and resources on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The site also
connects Canadians with the 36 Canadian Ramsar sites of
international importance and provides regular wetland conservation
updates from around the world.
WetKit Ramsar.

WATER MATTERS FOR
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
(CropLife International, April 2004) Prepared for CSD-12, this
CropLife publication considers ways to address water challenges.
Case studies from around the world highlight various approaches to
water conservation and use efficiency as well as protection of water
resources and aquatic ecosystems through “improved land management
systems, good agricultural practices, R&D, new agricultural
technologies and product stewardship.” The
publicationwill be available
as of 19 April 2004.

Forests

COLLABORATIVE
PARTNERSHIP ON FORESTS AND NATIONAL FOREST PROGRAMME FACILITY
ON-LINE FORUMThe
Collaborative Partnership on Forests and the National Forest
Programme Facility has established an online forum for the exchange
of information, ideas and experiences concerning funding of
forest-related projects. Fund seekers are encouraged to use the
forum to enhance their search process and to increase their skills
in soliciting funding. Grant making bodies are encouraged to post
news and advice for potential applicants.
More. The forum is accessible in
English and
French.

SMART ALLIANCE: HOW
A GLOBAL CORPORATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS TRANSFORMED A
TARNISHED BRAND
(Yale University Press, April 2004) Written by Gary Taylor and
Patricia Scharlin, this book highlights how Chiquita, a global
corporation, and the Rainforest Alliance, an environmental nonprofit
organization, worked together to transform Chiquita’s corporate
reputation by improving conditions for its workers, minimizing the
environmental impact of its farms, and conserving the rainforest
surrounding its plantations. Through a chronicle of Chiquita’s
revolutionary and successful transformation, the authors present a
new model of corporate behavior at a time when corporate
responsibility is a major public concern, and certification of
agricultural products by environmental organizations, a central part
of the Chiquita story, is becoming an important tool for consumers
who care about responsible corporate practices. This book will be
available on 15 April in North America and in May in other parts of
the world. More.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO
STOP UNSUSTAINABLE AND ILLEGAL HARVESTING(WWF,
April 2004) WWF has launched this online guide on how to buy, sell,
and trade timber and wood products responsibly to help stop
practices such as illegal logging. It offers practical guidance for
each of the following actor groups: consumers; forest companies;
traders; retailers; local and national governments; builders,
architects and designers; and financial institutions. It also offers
links to overviews on threatened timber species and to news items on
forest management and trade. The
guide.

Trade, finance and investment

MAXIMISING MALTA’S
COMPETITIVENESS POTENTIAL
(Islands and Small States Institute, University of Malta, April
2004) Written by Lino Briguglio, Gordon Cordina, Tendai Bare, and
RoseMarie Endeley, this book is the product of a consultative and
collaborative process aimed at developing a competitiveness strategy
for Malta. The book is founded on the belief that small states such
as Malta need to develop and sustain their economic competitiveness
in order to achieve their long-term development aspirations. It aims
to serve as a case study in promoting constructive social dialogue
on economic competitiveness, a key issue for small states, and
provides a framework for the development of a national
competitiveness strategy and a programme of follow-up mechanisms,
with implementation, monitoring and advocacy measures.More
information is available at: from the Islands and Small States
Institute, Foundation for International Studies, St. Paul Street,
Valletta, VLT07, Malta, Tel/Fax: +356-2124-8218, 2134-0335; email:
islands@um.edu.mt

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE POOR: A FIELD GUIDE(WBCSD,
March 2004) Prepared by the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development, this guide looks at how several companies are beginning
to do business with the poor, breaking into the “untapped market of
over four billion potential customers.” The publication is called a
field guide as it is designed for CEOs to send managers to work in
developing countries among poor populations. The guide advises
companies to focus on core competencies when developing pro-poor
business models, tap into local networks and knowledge, and partner
with external resources that offer complementary expertise. The
guide.

GLOBAL FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT: MARKET DEVELOPMENTS AND ISSUES(IMF,
April 2004) The Global Financial Stability Report from the
International Monetary Fund provides the latest assessment of global
financial markets and emerging market financing in a global context.
The report examines the current conditions in global financial
markets, focusing on issues of financial imbalances and structural
concerns that might threaten financial market stability and
sustained market access by emerging market borrowers. The latest
edition of the Global Financial Stability Report, which is
now published quarterly, includes chapters concentrating on
developments in global financial markets, risk transfer and the
insurance industry, and institutional investors in emerging markets.
The
report.

Biodiversity and wildlife

TRADE AND BIODIVERSITY BRIEFS AND BACKGROUND PAPERS(IUCN/ICTSD/DDRI,
March 2004) A number of trade and biodiversity papers from the
IUCN-ICTSD-DDRI “Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development
Week,” held in Geneva from 16-19 March 2004, are available online.

The briefs include:
*
Integrating African Perspectives and Priorities into Genetic
Resource Regulations: A Resource Guide for Policymakers;
*
Vision of Indigenous Peoples in the context of the decisions
pertaining Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and
Article 8j: An Analysis of the Impacts of CBD/COP Decisions with
respect to WIPO’s IGC Mandate; and
* International Negotiations on Biodiversity, Genetic Resources and
Intellectual Property: Implications of the WIPO Intergovernmental
Committee’s New Mandate.

The background papers include:
* Diversity Makes the Difference! Gender considerations for
promoting an equitable access to and fair sharing of benefits
arising from the utilization of biodiversity; and
* Access to Genetic Resources, Intellectual Property Rights and
Biodiversity: Processes and Synergies.The
papers.

BENEFIT-SHARING: SYMPOSIUM ON FOOD SECURITY AND BIODIVERSITY(Syngenta
Foundation, October 2003) The
papers from “Benefit Sharing: Symposium on Food Security and
Biodiversity,” organized by the Syngenta Foundation in Basel on 16
October 2003, are available online. They include:
* Saving Genes through Improved Access and Benefit Sharing;
* Diversity and Protectionism Use of Genebanks: Trends and
Interpretations;
* The International Treaty and its Benefit Sharing Provision;
* Sharing under the Convention on Biological Diversity;
* Balancing Interests;
* Perspectives, an NGO Viewpoint;
* The Global Crop Diversity Trust: Purpose, Priorities and
Governance; and
* Experiences from Pharma Harnessing Cacti for Medicine. The
papers.

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON URBANIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE:
22 April 2004 - 24 April 2004. New Haven, CT, United States.
Co-organized by IGES and Yale University School of Forestry &
Environmental Studies, this workshop aims to explore both physical
and social aspects of environmental change brought about by
urbanization, and discuss barriers and leverages for a more
sustainable urban future. Topics will cover various aspects of urban
environment, with examples from cities all over the world. An edited
volume will be published after the workshop. For more information
contact: Bai Xuemei; e-mail:
bai@iges.or.jp; Internet:
http://www.iges.or.jp/en/from/press/press.html

SYMPOSIUM ON GEOPOLITICAL STAKES OF NATURAL RESOURCES:
30 April 2004. Geneva, Switzerland. The objective of this symposium
is to analyze the geopolitical rivalries in relation to the control
of natural resources and the repercussions of this phenomenon on
international stability. For more information contact: International
Centre for Geopolitical Studies, ICGS; tel: +41-22-340-6892; fax:
+41-22-340-6892; e-mail:
geopolitics@dplanet.ch; Internet:
http://www.geopolitics.ch/colloque2004ang.htm

REQUEST FOR INPUT: WORKSHOP ON GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND DIRECTIONS FOR
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY: 13 May 2004 - 14 May 2004. Washington, DC, United
States. The National Academies’ Committee on Agricultural
Biotechnology, Health, and the Environment (CABHE) and an ad hoc
Steering Committee on Global Challenges and Directions for
Agricultural Biotechnology are hosting a workshop to identify key
global problems, and discuss the possible use of agricultural
biotechnology as one of many tools for easing these problems. The
organizers hope that contributions from people in developing
countries will form the basis of the workshop’s deliberations and
are inviting interested experts and stakeholders to provide input to
the agenda. For more information contact: Michael Kisielewski,
Research Assistant; tel: +1-202-334-3062; fax: +1-202-334-1978;
Internet:
http://dels.nas.edu/global_challenges/

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME ON ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
26 July 2004 - 31 July 2004. Shanghai, China. 'Emerging leaders'
from the Asia-Pacific region are expected to attend this week long
leadership programme to learn to make balanced decisions on complex
environmental and sustainable development issues. For more
information contact: Mahesh Pradhan, UNEP ROAP; tel: +66-2-288-1801;
fax: +66-2-280-3829; e-mail:
pradhan@un.org; Internet:
http://www.rrcap.unep.org/uneptongji

FOOD SECURITY ASSEMBLY 2004: GROWING TOGETHER: CULTIVATING FOOD
SECURITY IN CANADIAN SOCIETY: 14 October 2004 - 16 October 2004. Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada. Hosted by the Canadian Food Grains Bank and Winnipeg
Harvest, this event aims to provide an opportunity to engage
Canadians from all sectors including farmers, fisher-folk,
academics, health, government, NGOs and those who are “food
insecure” on the many facets of food security. For more information
contact: Assembly on Food Security; tel: +1-204-982-3675; e-mail:
planners@foodsecurityassembly.ca; Internet:
http://www.foodsecurityassembly.ca

WORLD RICE RESEARCH CONFERENCE:
4 November 2004 - 7 November 2004. Tokyo and Tsukuba, Japan. Touted
as the most important scientific event of the 2004 International
Year of Rice, the World Rice Research Conference (WRRC) aims to help
provide solutions to the challenges of the rice industry, by
presenting the latest research information on a wide range of
rice-related issues such as international food security, poverty
alleviation and the environment. The Opening symposium and keynote
speeches will take place in Tokyo and a scientific symposium will be
held in Tsukuba. For more information contact: K. Toriyama, JIRCAS;
tel: +81-29-838-6345; fax: +81-29-838-6342; e-mail:
WRRC2004@ml.affrc.go.jp; Internet:
http://www.irri.org/wrrc2004/default.htm

Biodiversity and
wildlife

ELECTRONIC CONFERENCE ON "SUSTAINING LIVELIHOODS AND BIODIVERSITY -
ATTAINING THE 2010 TARGET IN THE EUROPEAN BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY":
13 April 2004 - 30 April 2004. electronic forum. Organized by
BioPlatform and the organizers of the Irish meeting of the European
Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy (EPBRS), this
e-Conference will have 5 parallel sessions focusing on research
needs for: the Biodiversity Action Plan on Agriculture; the
Biodiversity Action Plan on Economic and Development Cooperation;
the Biodiversity Action Plan on Conservation of Natural Resources;
monitoring, indicators and reporting; and sustaining livelihoods and
biodiversity. For more information contact: Internet:
http://www.nbu.ac.uk/biota/e-conference.htm

18TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY:
30 July 2004 - 2 August 2004. New York, United States. The 2004
Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology will consider
the theme of ï¿½Conservation in an Urbanizing Worldï¿½ and other
emerging topics through plenary sessions, symposia, workshops,
organized discussions, contributed oral presentations, and poster
sessions. For more information contact: Eva Fearn; fax:
+1-212-854-8188; e-mail:
2004@conbio.org; Internet:
http://cerc.columbia.edu/scb2004/

Climate and
atmosphere

CONFERENCE ON DEBT, CLIMATE AND GLOBAL JUSTICE:
28 April 2004. Dublin, Ireland. This conference will explore the
links between climate change, the debt crisis and global inequity.
Organized by a variety of NGOs, the meeting will include
presentations on poor country debt negotiations and the concept of
environmental debt, the ï¿½contraction and convergenceï¿½ approach to
managing global greenhouse gas emissions, emissions trading, and
declining global oil reserves. Participants will also interact
through a live video link with delegates attending a similar event
in South Africa. For more information contact: Aubrey Meyer, Global
Commons Institute; tel: +44-20-8520-4742; fax: +44-20-8520-4742;
e-mail:
aubrey@gci.org.uk; Internet:
http://www.gci.org.uk/events/feasta.pdf

CDM EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS 2004:
13 June 2004 - 3 December 2004. Bonn, Germany. The Executive Board
of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism is scheduled to
meet four more times in 2004. The next meeting, and the 14th since
the Board was formed, will take place from 13-14 June. Meetings will
also be held from 1-2 September, 21-22 October, and 1-3 December.
The first three meetings will take place in Bonn, Germany, while the
final meeting of the year will be held in Buenos Aires, alongside
the Tenth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention
on Climate Change. For more information contact: UNFCCC Secretariat;
tel: +49-228-815-1005; fax: +49-228-815-1999; e-mail:
cdm-info@unfccc.int; Internet:
http://cdm.unfccc.int

Forests, deserts,
land

SYMPOSIUM ON THE EFFECTS OF FOREST CERTIFICATION IN
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND EMERGING ECONOMIES:
10 June 2004 - 14 June 2004. Yale University, New Haven, CT, United
States. This ITTO-sponsored symposium will seek to systematically
address the environmental, social and economic effects of forest
certification at the national and local levels in a range of
countries. For more information contact: Barbara Bamberger, Yale
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies; tel: +1-619-296 3686;
e-mail:
BambergerB@aol.com; Internet:
http://www.yale.edu/forestcertification

Human development

UNITAR WORKSHOP SERIES ON POLICY AWARENESS AND TRAINING IN
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
23 April 2004. New York, United States. This interactive seminar
focusing on the role of technology in distance learning is primarily
aimed at ambassadors and other diplomats. However, all interested UN
staff members as well as NGOs are welcome to attend. For more
information contact: UNITAR; tel: +1-212-963-3021

SEMINAR ON AGRICULTURAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS - POLITICS AND
PROSPECTS:
17 May 2004. Brussels, Belgium. This seminar will consider the
prospects for securing a framework for negotiations on agricultural
issues by July/August 2004. It will also examine the political
environment in key WTO member countries. The seminar is being
organized by the International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy
Council, which is holding its 33rd Plenary Meeting immediately prior
to the seminar. For more information contact: Michel Baumgartner,
IPC's Brussels Office; tel: +32-2-534-9036; fax: +32-2-534-9882;
e-mail:
ipcbrussels@prmltd.com; Internet:
http://www.agritrade.org/Plenary%20Seminars/BrusselsSem.htm

Water, wetlands,
oceans, coasts

REGIONAL ELECTRONIC FORUM ON "PAYMENT SCHEMES OF PAYMENTS FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES IN WATERSHEDS":
12 April 2004 - 21 May 2004. electronic forum. This forum is
organized by the International Secretariat of the Latin American
Network for Technical Cooperation in Watershed Management (REDLACH)
and the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Discussions will be in Spanish and divided into three phases: design
of PES schemes in watersheds; execution of PES schemes in
watersheds; and impacts of PES schemes in watersheds. Comments in
French and English are also welcome. For more information contact:
Enrique Salazar, REDLACH; tel: +511-224-7559; fax: +511-224-8936;
e-mail:
irh-intendente@inrena.gob.pe; Internet:
http://www.rlc.fao.org/foro/psa

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF WETLANDS SCIENTISTS - 25TH ANNIVERSARY
CONFERENCE: 18 July 2004 - 23 July 2004. Seattle, Washington, United States. The
conference's symposia and technical sessions aims to present
interdisciplinary, integrated approaches and technologies for
analyzing and evaluating wetlands, co-managing fisheries, studying
insects and other wildlife, educating the public and the next
generation of wetland professionals, engaging the politics of
wetlands management, and identifying uses of wetlands by cultures in
different regions of the world. For more information contact: Jan
Kvamme, University of Washington Engineering and Professional
Programmes; tel: +1-703-790-1745; fax: +1-703-790-2672; e-mail:
kvamme@u.washington.edu; Internet:
http://www.sws.org/seattle2004/glance.htm

Linkages is provided by the International Institute for Sustainable Development,
publishers of the Earth Negotiations
Bulletin. It is designed to be an electronic clearing-house for information on past
and upcoming international meetingsrelated to environment and development policy.